Another passion project for Jackson is diabetes awareness after he was diagnosed with Type 2 of the disease in 2003 and underwent a gastric bypass operation losing more than 100 pounds. He says he had to completely adapt his way of life.

“I grew up in the lovable south of Baton Rouge, Louisiana,” the 56-year-old smiled. “[Food] needs to taste good, rather than always be good for you. So I just had to completely change my lifestyle.